Formula for Interview Success Preparation Practice Presented by

Formula for Interview Success: Preparation + Practice Presented by: Shelly Drouillard The Center for Experiential Learning & Career Services The University of Toledo

Contact Information The Center for Experiential Learning & Career Services The University of Toledo Student Union 1533 419. 530. 4341 www. utoledo. edu/success/career

What can we do for you? n n Services for UT students/alumni! We can help with anything related to your future career! n Student Employment (Rocket Jobs) n Major & career exploration (Focus 2& OMJ) n Professional Development: n Resume & CV writing n Mock interviews n Job search strategies n Protocol & etiquette n Experiential Learning opportunities

Job Search Prep Tools Polished Resume/CV n Cover Letter n Linked. In Profile n Other Social Media n Business Cards n Professional Attire n Elevator Speech n Networking Activities n Job Boards and Search Engines n

How to maximize resume/CV impact

Resume vs CV Resume n n Summary of relevant information and qualifications One or two pages in length Focused on accomplishments Appropriate for and preferred in business and professional settings CV n n Detailed presentation of educational history & professional qualifications Varies in length, multiple pages Focused on credentials Used for seeking faculty, research, clinical or scientific positions

Resume vs CV Resume Sample Additional CV Sections n Research / Teaching Experience n Licensure/Certification n Community/University Service n Professional Associations n Grants n Additional Experience n Publications/ Presentations

Publication Examples PUBLICATIONS n Name, Candidate, J. A. , & Name (in press, 2007). Treating Autistic Spectrum Disorder. In Name & Name (Eds. ), The Practice of Child Therapy. Boston: Allyn and Bacon. UNDER REVIEW n Candidate, J. A. & Name (Revise and resubmit). Affective perspectivetaking: Assessment and training of children with autism. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis. n Name, Candidate, J. A. & Name (under review). The versatility of the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) in special education settings.

Bullets: List and Quantify Accomplishments n n Before: Completed documentation according to compliance guidelines After: Recognized need for report request and data submission forms and developed 10 new clinical and administrative forms increasing staff efficiency by 15% n n Before: Applied mathematical principles and techniques After: Applied mathematical principles and techniques to the solution of problems in research, development, production, distribution and other functional areas contributing to 25% cost savings over 3 year time period.

Things to add to your resume… n n n Areas of interest Major projects you have worked on Details of your typical workload Contact with other professionals Consultant roles/client profiles n n IT/technical skills Optimization of tools and techniques Organization & planning responsibilities How you have improved efficiency/productivity within your department?

Tailor Key Words to Specific Job What words does the hiring organization use in the job posting or website? n Examples: customer vs. client or senior leadership vs. top administration n Use the same words in your resume n Sound like an insider not an outsider n

Samples

Samples

Interview Strategies

Interview Goals Employer: n n n Gather additional information Assess candidate’s “soft skills” n Communication n Self-management n Attitude n Personality n Interpersonal n Motivation Looking for candidates who will be a good fit for their organization, customers and work environment Candidate: n n n Make the most favorable impression Stand out from the other candidates Secure an interview Expand your network To match with a work environment that will give you the best opportunity for success.

Before the Interview: Know Yourself n Be prepared to talk about anything and everything on your resume, including your, coursework, course projects, technical skills, work experiences and extra-curricular activities n Identify your skills, interests and work values, strengths and weaknesses n Be able to communicate your long and short term goals n Be prepared to candidly answer questions about anything that could be perceived as a weakness in your application — a disappointing grade, lackluster semester, lack of certain experience.

Before the Interview: Know The Employer n Review the Employers’ Websites n Areas relevant to your position. n Products they offer and the services they perform. n Mission statement and how long they have been incorporated. n Recent news section or press releases n Do a Quick Web Search n Searching for a company in a search engine will often bring up other websites with information. n Blogs or social media websites, e. g. Twitter, Facebook, Linked. In. n Additional Company Research Tips n Speak with a current or former staff member. n Talk with someone that uses their products or services.

Interview Materials n Prepare your interview materials before you leave n Up-to-date copies of your resume n List of references n Work samples or portfolio n Padfolio or folder n Company research/list of questions

Practice Your Pitch n PRACTICE, PRACTICE answers to sample interview questions n Conduct mock interviews with trusted faculty members, advisors or Career Services n Record yourself on video to check your diction, speed and body language n Practice answering interview questions in front of a mirror

In-Person Interviewing Tips

First Impressions Matter Think about FIRST time you met someone. How long did it take to build impression? § Your appearance § Your grooming § Your personal presence § Your eye contact § Your articulation § Your personality

Impressions Matter Before You Arrive & Throughout the Day n Be respectful and courteous to the administrative staff, including when you are scheduling your interviews. n Remember that the people you interact with on your interview day will be paying attention to your interpersonal skills and professionalism, even in this highly compressed time frame.

General Career Fair Attire Suit up!

Attire: Women n n n n Solid color, conservative suit (neutral) Coordinated blouse Moderate shoes (2 inch heel or less; NO peep toes!) Limited jewelry (pearls are great!) Neat, professional hairstyle Light make-up No perfume Manicured nails (neutral colors) Professional Portfolio

Attire: Men n n n n Solid color, conservative suit (neutral) White long sleeve shirt Conservative tie (no wild patterns) Matching socks, professional shoes Neat, professional hairstyle No cologne! Neatly trimmed nails Professional Portfolio

Important Interview Non-Verbals § § § Attire Handshake Eye Contact Facial Expressions Posture Gestures

Avoid Negative Body Language

In the Interview n n n Introduce yourself using your full name Be positive and try to make others feel comfortable Show interest and enthusiasm by leaning forward, nodding and smiling Relax, think of the interview as a conversation, not an interrogation Take a moment to think about your responses before your speak If you do not understand a question ask for clarification

Interview Questions

Most Common Interview Questions n § § n Tell me about yourself Why should I hire you? What are your top strengths & number 1 weakness? What do you see yourself doing in 5 years? Why are you interested in our organization? What do you know about our clinic? What are your expectations from a supervisor? What type of management style do you most like to work under?

Before and After Examples Tell me about yourself? https: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=Cyww 7 e. RV j 3 E §

Scripting Your Pitch n A blank, xyz with experience in blank, blank. Strengths in blank and blank. Excels in blank, blank. I spent blank amount of time working/interning/volunteering for blank which garnered me valuable experience in blank, blank n n n Eager to climb the technical ladder… Ready to hit the ground running… Prepared to contribute…

Sample Engineering Questions n n n Describe how you test a piece of software. Describe a time when you had to deliver bad news to a customer. Have you ever had to work in a heavy overtime environment? Tell me about any presentations you’ve made to groups. Tell me about a project or idea you initiated. Tell me about a recent team experience you had that was fulfilling.

Behavior Based Interview (BBI) Past Behavior = Future Performance

BBI Questions § Describe a situation where you were successful in getting crucial information from another person. § Tell me about a time when you worked with people that were different from you. What barriers did you need to address and how did you overcome them? § Tell me about a time when you changed your opinion on an issue based on new information or an experience.

STAR System for Behavior-Based Q’s § Situation § Task(s) § Actions(s) § Result(s)

Do you have any questions? n ALWAYS have questions prepared! n Inquisitive minds are always learning new things and recruiters know that continuing learning is critical to succeeding as a engineer n Demonstrate knowledge of the company, industry, position n Questions will tell them a lot about who you are and what you care about most. n Write questions down questions before the interview

Possible Questions to Ask n n n Can you describe a typical work day? What would be some of my top priorities or projects? How would you describe the organization’s culture? What are the characteristics/qualities of others who have been successful in this role? Are there opportunities for advancement? Also think of questions related to other program details that are important to you. Remember that your questions will tell them a lot about who you are and what you care about most.

Top Interview Mistakes n n n n Failure to Prepare Excessive Nervousness Overconfidence Not Being Personable Dressing Unprofessionally Describing Weaknesses with Cliches Allowing Attention to Drift from the Interview Speaking in General Terms (You Want to Come Across as Exceptional)

Other Interview Pitfalls Do Not: n n n n Arrive late Chew gum, eat candy or smoke Use of check cell phone Display little or no enthusiasm Appearing desperate Call the interviewer by their first name, unless invited to Make negative comments about your current or former faculty, patients, supervisors, classmates, etc.

After the Interview Send a thank you card! n If the process is happening rapidly, an e-mail may suffice n A nice note to your interviewers shows that you have taken the time to tell them how much you appreciate their consideration n

Questions?

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